Duquesne Incline

Take a step back in time and let the wooden carriages of the Duquesne Incline carry you up the slope of Mount Washington. Once used to transport coal down the hillside, this funicular railway has been in use since 1877. Today, the views from the top, looking out over Pittsburgh’s rivers and cityscape, are a must-see for visitors.

This is one of only two inclined railroads that remain from Pittsburgh’s days as a prosperous coal mining town. The other railway is the Monongahela Incline, located to the south. Nearly closed for good in 1962, Duquesne was saved and restored in 1963 by a group of local residents. Much that you see today remains true to its original 1877 appearance.

Your journey along the 800-foot (240-metre) cable will be in a restored (and safe) wooden carriage. At the top, you’ll stand at an elevation of 400 feet (120 metres) and see one of the best views in the city. For a special treat, come as dusk settles and watch as lights in the buildings turn on and cast twinkling reflections across the city’s three rivers.

At the upper station, explore the museum, which contains pictures of Pittsburgh during the coal mining days. There’s also interesting information about other funicular inclines around the world. The gift shop is a great place to find Pittsburgh souvenirs.

Book a tour to get a look inside the incline machine room, where you’ll see a fascinating view of the original 1877 hoist equipment in action. Tours are available for groups of more than ten and can be organised through the Society for the Preservation of Duquesne Incline. See the official Duquesne Incline website for details.

The Duquesne Incline is used by local residents as a mode of public transport. It runs daily, from early in the morning until after midnight, with shorter hours on Sundays. To get to the lower station, take a bus from downtown Pittsburgh. If you are driving, there is free parking at the lower station.